Tiruchirappalli, Nov. 15 -- Courtyard by Marriott in Tiruchirappalli kicked off its Christmas and New Year celebrations with a traditional cake-mixing ceremony, beginning preparations for a 150-kg Christmas cake using 22 varieties of nuts, dry fruits, herbs and premium alcoholic beverages.

Hotel chefs, tourists and local participants joined the ceremony, enthusiastically mixing dried fruits with brandy, whisky and other spirits. The outdoor event featured an elaborate arrangement of fruits depicting Christmas motifs, along with live music and festive celebrations.

Speaking to ANI, Suresh, Executive Chef at the hotel, said the ceremony marked the beginning of the festive season and explained that the ingredients would be soaked for 20 da...